The federal government shutdown has entered its fourth week, leaving hundreds of thousands of employees across the country facing financial hardship and uncertainty.
A wave of layoffs announced by the Trump administration has added to the uncertainty. The shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill that excluded an extension of federal health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Donald Trump and Republican leaders have stated that the government must reopen before any negotiations on health subsidies can continue.
The situation is affecting employees nationwide, with the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. being a focal point of the crisis.
Author's summary: Federal shutdown enters fourth week.